Chapter 5:

Abony(Ab on ee)

Izadora(Is a door ah)

Bellamy(Bell am eee)

Korina woke late the next day and found herself confused. Usually she was not allowed to sleep in. She had a very prompt schedule even on the days when she did not have lessons with the Baroness. It had been hard some days going to bed late and getting up early, especially when she was still getting used to her undergarments and corset. There were days when she barely got any sleep. Now she found herself a bit disoriented from all the extra hours.

It took her a few minutes to fully wake up. She yawned and rolled out of bed before stretching and picking up the hand mirror, the Baroness had given her the night before. She’d practiced with it some before falling asleep. She found she rather enjoyed, making odd faces more then anything. She made a few now sticking out her tongue and widening her eyes. She opened and closed her mouth before laughing to herself.

She felt she could entertain herself with it for days, if given the opportunity. She got to her feet and stepped into her slippers before moving to her resting room. All the while she continued to make faces in the mirror. She scrunched up her nose, closed one of her eyes and stuck out her tongue. Then she pulled back her nose and pretended to be a pig before she finally set the mirror down, on a nearby end table. Once again she laughed to herself before grabbing an apple, from a bowl of fruit and laying on the couch.

She bit into the apple and again wondered, why she had been allowed to sleep so late. She wondered if something had happened. She supposed she’d ring Betsy, after she finished eating and find out if anything was wrong. However, before she was even halfway through her apple, there came a knock at the door.

Korina sat up on the couch as Betsy came into the room. She was happy to see Korina was up and had a tray, with a letter on it. Korina greeted her before she even finished her curtsy, “Good Morning Betsy,”

“Good morning Lady Andon, I trust you slept well,”

“Quiet well, I’m surprised I was allowed to sleep in,”

“The Countess wanted you to get some rest. A letter has arrived for you,”

“A letter, finally,” said Korina excitedly. She quickly sprung up from the couch and rushed to Betsy. She had been waiting to hear back from her father, for quite some time. She hoped he’d written her a hundred pages or more. Her heart leapt as she reached out for the letter but it quickly sunk, when she realized it was not from him.

There was a familiar wax seal on the back. She needn’t even turn it over to know it was from the Baroness. Korina sighed and pealed the seal off. She wondered what she wanted now. Perhaps she’d woken in the middle of the night, with a new form of torture. Maybe Korina was lucky and the Baroness had been called away, perhaps she’d finally get a break.

She sighed and pulled the letter out of the envelope. Immediately, it felt different from all the others, the Baroness had sent her. It had a wafting smell of perfume to it. The handwriting was very neat and precise and the stationary was quite decorative.

She found it was an invitation to lunch. A place and time were clearly listed, along with a beautiful signature. Korina rubbed her jaw curiously, she had lunch with the Baroness all the time but this was the first time she’d ever received a proper invitation for it. She couldn’t help but feel something was going on.

“Betsy,”

“Yes my lady,”

“It would seem I have been invited to lunch,”

“Yes, it would seem your grandmother was as well,”

“Really?” said Korina furrowing her brow. It felt even more peculiar now. “With Baroness Corday as well?”

“Yes she has already responded and is getting ready,”

“Ready, what time is it?” asked Korina.

“A little before eleven,”

“That’s barely any time to prepare,” said Korina. By now she knew, it could sometimes take hours to get ready, by Crestmoore standards and the Baroness despised lateness. Whatever was going on, would no doubt be a hundred times worse, if Korina dared not to arrive, when she was expected.

“Yes, I’m sorry my lady. The Countess had thought you would rise sooner,”

“Right...well I... I must get ready,” said Korina. She felt suddenly overwhelmed. There was so much she needed to do. She moved towards her dressing room but wondered if she might bathe first, no there wasn’t any time. She needed to figure out what she was going to wear and what she would do with her hair. What attire did a formal lunch require again? Betsy cleared her throat, drawing Korina out of her head, “Yes?”

“Your response to the Baroness’s invitation, my lady?”

“Response...right,” said Korina she’d completely forgotten. She was suppose to respond to every invitation, no matter how short notice. She quickly rushed to her writing desk and penned a short letter. When she was finished she sealed it in an envelope and handed it to Betsy.

“Thank you my lady, I shall have this sent out at once and return to help you get dressed. Given the weather I think one of your sun dresses would do. If I may, the peach suits you,”

“Thank you,” said Korina and then for good measure she said it again, “Truly thank you,”

Betsy simply smiled and nodded before leaving the room. Korina quickly read the invitation again before rushing off to her dressing room. It took her nearly an hour to get ready. The dress itself didn’t take long to get on. However putting her hair in a bun turned out to be a bit of a challenge. Betsy was called away and she fidgeted so much that it took her nearly three times to get it right.

When she came downstairs her grandmother was waiting on a bench in the entrance hall. She was all dressed up and ready to go. She glanced at Korina but didn’t greet her. She simply turned and made her way out to the carriage.

Korina followed after her and again couldn’t help but feel something was off. She worried the Baroness might have decided Korina was unteachable and no longer wished to continue their lessons. Maybe she invited her grandmother to let her know their arrangement was over. Maybe or maybe it was some else, after all things had seemed just fine last night. Korina fretted over the possibilities of what it could be and was so lost in her thoughts that she almost didn’t hear her grandmother say, “It’s such a beautiful day,”

“Hmm,” said Korina, “Yes,”

“I wonder if we’ll have lunch outside today,”

“Perhaps, the Baroness does have a wonderful garden,”

“Doesn’t she,” said her grandmother. She stared out the window adding, “Dillie used to love it,”

Korina perked up at the mention of her mother, “She knew the Baroness?”

“Oh no,” said her grandmother, waving her hand about at the thought, “It was before her time. The Baroness’s estate used to belong to the Viscount Ear Herrit and his wife Abony. Lovely couple, they were friends of my late husband. Only had one son, died in a war I believe.” Her grandmother sighed and continued to stare out the window. “I think its why they enjoyed having Dillie around so much, almost like having grand kids I suppose. On good days she used to enjoy sitting under their Alder tree, reading in the shade. That Alder must have been a hundred years old, fell some years ago in a bad storm.” her grandmother looked on longingly. She seemed to be talking to herself more then Korina.

Still Korina was delighted, this was the most her grandmother had ever talked about her mother. She could picture her mother, reading under a tree and smiled to herself. She couldn’t help but say, “Thank you,”

“For what?” her Grandmother inquired turning from the window.

“Sharing,”

Her grandmother rolled her eyes, “It was nothing, just the rambling of an old woman,”

“No,” said Korina. “It means the world to me. I...I only have so many memories of her. Hearing stories about her...it’s like gaining memories...getting more time with her,”

Her Grandmother looked at her strangely. Korina knew she must have sounded foolish but every memory, every story of her mother, truly was precious to her. Her Grandmother shifted her gaze as she took in Korinas’ words, thinking. “I...I never thought of it like that,”

Korina went to respond but her grandmother seemed far away, lost in thought. She stared out the window once more and they continued the rest of their journey in silence. When they arrived it took a moment for her grandmother to realize it. The door opened and the couch man reached out his hand for her but she just sat there. Korina wondered if grandmother was tired, or if what she had said upset her.

After a moment her Grandmother snapped out of it. She took the couch mans’ hand and allowed him to help her out. Korina followed after her and she seemed like her old self again, striding up to the manor with little patience for anyone.

When they stepped inside, Hagan and several female servants were waiting for them. They bowed and curtsied, before stepping up to take their hats and coats. When the female servants had taken their outer wear away, Hagan stepped up, clicking his heels together, “It is an an honor to have you both this fine day. If you will please follow me,”

The Countess held her head high and nodded slightly. Hagan turned sharply and began to walk. They followed him to a room not far off, from the front door. Korinas’ eyes widened as he opened a set of exquisite doors. He stepped into a large room and she barely heard him introduce them as she found herself lost in her thoughts once more.

In the entire time, Korina had been training under then Baroness, not once had she been allowed in any of the first floor sitting rooms. Those were meant for entertaining proper guests. Truly now, she knew something was going on and that she wasn’t just being paranoid.

When they stepped into the room, Korina saw it was beautifully decorated. Of course every room in the Baroness’s estate was exuberant but this room had a theme. Every color in the room was within three shades. Everything had been placed, in such a way, that the room felt large and yet comforting at the same time.

Korina expected to find the Baroness sitting, drinking tea perhaps, like she usually did but she instead was standing in the center of the room, waiting to greet them. She was wearing a dress that truly out did the ones, Korina had seen her in before and her hair was in quiet a style. Korina felt strange as if this was her first time meeting the Baroness in her manor. Even though she knew her quiet well by now, at least she thought she did.

They stopped a few feet before the Baroness. The Baroness turned to Korina's grandmother and curtsied. As the Baroness rose, Korina realized she should be properly greeting the Baroness and quickly curtsied to her. However, the Baroness didn't take her eyes off the Countess as she waited for Korina's grandmother to acknowledge her. Korina found it strange, watching the Baroness do something she had to do all the time.

After a few seconds the Countess acknowledge the Baroness, “What a lovely home you have?”

“Thank you Countess Bray. How are you this day?”

“I suppose as well as any other day. And you?”

“I am quiet fine. You honor me with your presence,”

“Yes, well your invitation couldn’t have come at a better time. Today’s weather is quite splendid.”

“Is it not?”

“I do hope lunch will be outside today. Your veranda is quite something,”

“Of course I have made all the arrangements.”

“Oh I hope you didn’t go to too much trouble on my behalf,”

“Not at all I-”

They went on like that for quite some time, pleasantly praising each other back and forth. After a few seconds Korina droned them out and found herself looking around the room. Her eyes lit up as she took it all in. Some of the paintings on the walls, were breathtaking. She longed to get a closer look at them but knew she wasn’t to do anything until the Baroness acknowledge her. She wanted to sigh but instead kept a pleasant smile on her face and continued to wait.

Several more minutes passed before, the Baroness finally turned from the Countess and looked to Korina, acknowledging her. However what she said caught Korina off guard, “And you must be Korina. An-don is it? I’ve heard so much about you,”

Korina looked at the Baroness confused. Clearly, they knew each other so why was she acting as if this were their first time meeting. She looked at the Baroness strangely and then to her grandmother. Her grandmother seemed unphased by the Baroness’s greeting. Korina stood there for a moment and then turned back to the Baroness pointing out, “We’ve met before-”

“I don’t believe we’ve had the pleasure,” the Baroness interrupted. She gave Korina a stern look.

“Uh...” Korina didn’t know what was going on. She looked to her grandmother again as if she might explain but her grandmother just pleasantly looked on.

The Baroness sighed and again said, “You must be Korina, An-don is it? I’ve heard so much about you. How are you?”

Korina looked at the Baroness, frustrated. She didn’t understand what she was doing but supposed she had no choice but to play along. Slowly she responded, “I’m...quite well...Baroness Corday?”

“Good,” said the Baroness grinning. “Now tell me how do you find Crestmoore?”

“Uh...I find it quite pleasant,” said Korina furrowing her brow. She was hoping the Baroness would stop whatever this was or that her grandmother would pipe and explanation but this game of theirs just went on.

“Yes it is such a pleasant place. I just fell in love with the first moment I saw it. Tell me, have you met with many others?”

“No...I have not had the pleasure...”said Korina.

“Yes, well I’m sure in time you’ll come to know us all. Especially the Viscount Izadora Bellamy. Such an odd little woman, word is she was spotted wearing her hat upside down the other day. I suppose she is getting on in age,”

“She uh-,” Korina stopped herself. She wanted to ask more about it but realized it was gossip. It all dawned on her then, that this, this might be some sort of test. Yes...the Baroness...and her grandmother were testing her.

“Yes...what is it dear, please speak up,” said the Baroness.

“Forgive me...”said Korina, quickly thinking, “I was just admiring... your paintings. I just wanted to take a moment to say they are wonderful.”

“Yes...yes, aren't they,” said the Baroness. Her eyes sparked as she saw Korina was getting it. “Some of them are prized family heirlooms. Perhaps later I might show you some of my favorites,”

“Oh my, I would enjoy that ever so much,” said Korina laying it on thick. If she wanted to do this, then it was on!

Korina smiled at the Baroness and the Baroness smiled back at her. “Come let us sit and refresh ourselves. Lunch should be ready shortly,”

“Thank you,” said the Countess taking a seat.

“Yes thank you,” said Korina but she did not sit.

She waited for the Baroness to take her seat and then sat down next to her grandmother. She found an elegant tea set, had already been set out. It was one Korina had never seen before. She also noticed even the biscuits were of a finer quality. She could only assume the Baroness was treating her, as she would any other guest. She took a moment to admire it all but touched nothing. She might have a bit of tea later on but she’d learned this lesson well on her first day.

Her grandmother and the Baroness started talking pleasantly again. Korina listened some but was on high alert, should anything be required of her. After a few minutes the Baroness lifted a small tray of biscuits, from the tea setting and turned to her “Korina, wont you try one my biscuits,”

“I-” She went to declined but paused thinking it over. Her mind drifted back to the book the Baroness had given her. She remembered there being a part. Yes, a lady was never to eat before a meal...unless the host insisted. She swallowed and nodded continuing, “I would love to, thank you,”

Korina reached out and took one of the biscuits. She bit into it, her eyes still on the Baroness. Immediately her taste buds were struck with the overwhelming taste of lemon. Korina found she despised lemons, tea, biscuits, orderves, whatever it flavored.

Of course the Baroness knew this. Korinas’ eyes widened and she swore she saw the Baroness smirk. She was purposely messing with her, trying to get her to make a mistake. Korina fought through her disgust and continued to take small, pleasant bites of the biscuits. Every so often she would make small sounds of enjoyment, until it was thankfully all gone, “Oh my, that was the most delightful biscuit I have ever had. Thank you for sharing it with me Baroness,”

“Of course,” said the Baroness beaming, “It’s a family recipe,”

“Well,” it is quite the recipe,”

“Yes,” said the Baroness setting down the tray of biscuits. She moved pouring three cups of tea before continuing, “It goes well with the tea, please have some, wont you,”

Korina had a feeling, the tea was also going to be lemon. The Baroness watched her smiling wickedly. Korina begrudging lifted her cup of tea and took several small sips. It was even more overwhelming then the biscuits. Her lips puckered but she continued to smile and took several more sips before setting her tea cup back down, “Oh yes, they go quiet well together,”

“Yes, please help yourself to as much as you like,”

“Oh no,” said Korina. She’d had some but knew better then to overdo it even if she could somehow bare it, “I wouldn’t wish to ruin my appetite. I can only imagine how divine lunch must be, if its anything like your tea and biscuits.”

The Baroness smiled, “Of course, you’ll find my lunches are quit superb,”

Korina had a feeling, lunch was going to be made up of all her least favorite dishes but it didn’t matter, she’d tackle them as well. She wasn’t about to lose. She locked eyes with the Baroness and for a moment the two just stared at each other.

Eventually, her grandmother lifted her own tea cup, took a small sip and then set it down, “Never cared much for lemon myself,”

Korina and the Baroness looked away from each other as they turned to face the Countess. Korina found her statement rather odd, since she’d had been given lemon tea the first day they met.
“Yes,” her grandmother went on, “Someone gave me a barrel of it years ago. I’m still trying to get rid of it but I suppose if I were to ever take a liking to it, yours would be acceptable Baroness,”

“Thank you,” said the Baroness.

Hagan knocked and stepped into the room a moment later. He bowed and the Baroness acknowledged him, “Yes,”

“Lunch is ready Baroness Corday,”

“Thank you Hagan,” said the Baroness. She turned to back to the Countess and said, “Shall we,”

The Baroness stood and then the Countess. Korina got up and waited for them both to move before following them. She felt as if this was going to be the longest lunch ever and it was, it was. Course after course came and went as they ate out on the veranda. She expect to despise each course but instead found it was all the foods she adored. Korina found it hard to only take small portions and then not finish them. The Baroness was truly treacherous. Korina had thought eating something she despised was hard but not eating enough of what she loved was grueling.

They ate in silence and when they were done the Baroness took them on a small tour. Korina was allowed a closer look at several of the paintings but it was all a test. The Baroness made small comments here or there, gauging Korinas’ reaction. She asked for Korinas’ opinion several times, putting her on the spot, all while her grandmother looked on. She was happy when they went to yet another sitting room and sat down once more.

However she was barely seated a minute, when her grandmother suggested she play them something. The Baroness seconded the idea, though Korina had a feeling it was all the Baroness’s doing. Korina quickly got back on her feet and went over to the piano. It was larger then she was used to but she managed to play the song the Baroness had taught her.

Midway through her performance, her grandmother and the Baroness started up a conversation. She missed a few notes caught off guard by their voices but kept playing, hoping no one had noticed. Of course she knew the Baroness probably would, she never missed a thing. Still she played on until she was finished and then let out of a heavy sigh.

“Well done,” said the Baroness, “Tell me, do you know any other songs?”

“Yes,” said Korina. She proceeded to play the song her mother had taught her. When she was finished she turned to face the Baroness and her grandmother.

“Hmm very nice, who taught you to play that?” asked the Baroness.

“My mother,” said Korina.

“Well, it's good to see some of her upbringing remained, all things considered. Tell me, how is your mother these days?”

Korina struggled to keep a pleasant smile on her face. The Baroness knew full well how her

mother was. Test or not it was a rather vulgar question. Korina took a moment but eventually answered, “She is no longer with us, I’m afraid,”

“Oh my, I’m so sorry to hear that. Such a tragedy. Might I inquire as to when and how her passing came about?”

Korinas’ nostrils flared but she answered. “It was some years ago, when I was but a child. She was always poor of health and succumbed to an illness.”

“I see. I am ever so sorry for your tragedy...you must be grateful though,"

“Excuse me?” asked Korina, thinking surely she misheard. The Baroness couldn’t dare be implying that she was grateful, her mother was dead.

“For you grandmother taking you in...considering the circumstances,”

“Circumstances?”

The Baroness paused and looked at Korinas’ grandmother. Her grandmother frowned but nodded and the Baroness continued. “Considering your mothers’ disgrace and all to her and your family’s name. Running off with that tinker, was it?. Your grandmother has been quite generous bringing you into her company,”

It took everything not to stand and shout at the Baroness “How dare you!” and storm out of the room. Clearly…clearly the Baroness was trying to get a reaction out of her. She wanted more then anything to give her one but ultimately refused to give the Baroness the satisfaction. She kept her smile strong and said, “I am ever so grateful to my grandmother for all that she has done for me.” The Baroness smiled as well as the Countess. It was what they wanted to hear a pleasant, grateful response with little drama but Korina found she could not end it there. “I am also grateful to my mother for all that she has done…including the decisions she made, for without those I wouldn’t be here to share in your delightful company.” She could see the Baroness was not pleased with her addition but her grandmother nodded slowly. She waited for the Baroness to respond but wasn’t sure she could take another question or ill comment about her mother.

Thankfully the Baroness moved on, clasping her hands. “Well done Korina, well done. Though you still need to work more on your expressions. The mirror I gave you last night, should help. You also need to remember you table manners. Your mouth opens far too wide when you chew and you need to wipe your face more. Your responses could also use some tweaking. All that being said, I suppose you’d be ready to go out and about,”

“Really,” said Korinas’ Grandmother, her eyes widening.

“Yes, with my accompaniment of course, I think we could introduce her to a few people. A small get together, perhaps a lunch or even a party. I believe Lady Waters is having her, Garden Party soon.”

“Oh yes, that woman is always finding a reason to show off her house,” said the Countess.

“Yes, but it would be a nice small event, to see how she does in a group setting. There shouldn’t be too much asked of her but it should get people talking and if something does goes wrong, no one of note should be there,”

“Oh, of course, of course, you are so wise about these things. If I have not thanked you enough please allow me to do so again. I must admit, when I first called upon you, some months ago, I thought I had requested far too much of you. You truly have outdone yourself.”

“Yes, well one does try but there is still far too much to do, to thank me just yet. Let us see how Lady Waters’ Garden Party goes and of course the Debutante ball.”

“Yes...oh I must rush home at once and send Lady Waters a letter. I have the perfect stationary for it. I shall write you as soon as I get a response,”

“Of course,” said Avianna.

Korina’s grandmother stood up then and so graciously asked, “I hope you don’t mind if we take our leave? There is must to do now.”

“Not at all, I understand but if I may keep your granddaughter. I’d like as much time as possible to prepare her. I shall send her home later.”

Countess Vira nodded, “Take all the time that you need.” Then she turned to Korina, “I shall see you back at the manor. Do your best to do as she says,”

Korina curtsied, “Yes, grandmother” It was hard keeping a pleasant smile on her face but somehow she managed. She’d been sitting quietly at the piano with her hands clasped listening to them make plans for her as they always did, without her opinion. She knew she should be sad but found herself somber given the days events.

“Let me see you out,” said the Baroness’s. She took Countess Bray’s arm and the two left the room together, no doubt to discuss things they couldn’t in front of Korina. Alone Korina sighed and wiped the water from her eyes that had been building. She let her smile drop and showed her true feelings. Today had indeed been a lot, and everything with her mother. It seemed she was truly everywhere today.

A moment later the Baroness returned, she shut the doors behind her and then adjusted her dress some before finally addressing Korina once more, “Your thoughts,”

Korina found it hard to pull herself back together so quickly and bitterly snapped, “Do you know me now?”

“Don’t get testy with me.” said the Baroness “Now what are you thinking?”

“I think...” Korina sniffled and then continued “I think it would be best that I not share my thoughts,”

“Very well, perhaps you are learning yet,” said Avianna. She pulled a handkerchief from her dress and waved it in front of Korina. “Blow your nose, its effecting your voice,” She moved over to a vase full of flowers and adjusted their arrangement. Korina blew her nose several times and then watched her for a moment before she asked “Today, all of it was a test?”

“Yes,” said Avianna without looking away from the flowers.

“And the questions about my mother?”

“You answered them well enough,”

“But you were seeking a reaction?”

Avianna sighed and sat down, “They all will. They might not be as blunt as I was but you can expect your family’s history to be a high topic of interest. While your mother “married for love” as you put it, she still left Crestmoore in a most shameful manner. That fact will always be a burden upon your family’s reputation. You must learn to manage both the polite and impolite commentary with grace and dignity. Every sliver of imperfection you show, will become gossip for them to bask in and spread around. I simply wanted to prepare you,”

Korina took in Aviannas’ words, She was silent for quite some time. When she finally spoke she asked, “Why...why do people live like this? Why are they so cruel?”

Her eyes were so full of emotion...Velona looked at her, thinking over her questions. He himself had asked them more then once but as time went on, he found there wasn’t always a reason, an answer for everything, “In time Korina, you’ll find some things just are.” He sighed deeply and then stood, “Come now, it does no good to wallow on such things. There is much to do. We must not only prepare you for the ball now, but your first outing as well,”

He could tell Korina wasn’t happy with his response but she stood. Velona motioned to the piano and said, “Your seconds song could still use some work,”

Korina nodded and took her place behind the piano. She began to play and he smiled to himself thinking she’d done well today and was continuing to do so even given her mood. He couldn’t help but feel something, pride perhaps. He came up behind her and without thinking gently stroked her hair. It was something his mother used to do when he played for her. He stood there for a moment his eyes misty. He hadn’t thought about it in years, the memory, the feeling was all but lost to him until this moment.

Korina stopped play and turned slightly, looking up at him curiously. Velona realized he’d lost himself in the moment and quickly recovered, spatting, “You must take better care with your buns. Your hairs coming out all over the place. Do I need to remind you how its done,”

“No,” said Korina furrowing her brow.

“Then do better and don’t stop playing unless I tell you. Now from the top, play it again,”

Korina sighed but turned back to the piano and started up once more. Velona let out a small sigh of his own, stepping away. He turned his back to Korina and stared at his hand. It unnerved him how easily he’d let himself slip. It wasn’t like him to do such thing. This...girl. The sooner she was out of his hair the better.

Thank you for reading^^